We've put together the ultimate European bucket list for 2017. From celebrating Finland's independence to jetting to Bordeaux on a brand new high speed train, here are 12 trips everyone should take in Europe in 2017.

Malta

"Game of Thrones" thrust this Mediterranean island nation into the limelight. Visitors can expect tons of history, and three World Heritage sites, including its capital, Valletta, as well as seven temples that are believed to be some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Malta is also famous for its beautiful beaches, and harbors filled with boats and boat side parties.

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg was voted the best destination in Europe by the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row. The city's ornate palaces and churches, and rich history makes it an ideal destination for travelers.

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Aarhus, Denmark

ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum.
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Aarhus, the second-largest Danish city, was crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2017, and will feature a brand new light-rail system next year that will make it super easy to get around.

Don't miss a thriving New Nordic food scene, as well as the ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, the oldest public art museum in Denmark outside of Copenhagen.

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Finland

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Finland's legendary wilderness (40 national parks, 12 wilderness areas, and six national hiking areas) is the perfect spot for adventurers, and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights (near the Arctic Circle they can be seen almost 200 days a year).

Even better, 2017 marks the country's 100 years of independence, which it will celebrate with four nationwide Finnish Nature Days (one per season).

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Bordeaux, France

A new high speed train introduced this year allows for a quick, two-hour trip between Paris and Bordeaux. This, in addition to Bordeaux's rich wine and culinary scene, make this French city a must-visit in 2017.

Belfast, Ireland

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A little-known attraction in Ireland has become more popular than the Eiffel Tower. Visit Belfast to see the Titanic attraction, which became Europe's top travel destination for 2016, according to the World Travel Awards. The vote came from a mix of several hundred thousand industry professionals and members of the public. The attraction features replica cabins and a walking tour of the slip where the original ship was built.

Modena, Italy

It is perfectly acceptable to revolve a trip around food and eating. So why not head straight to the cream of the crop? Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, was voted to best restaurant in the world by The World's 50 Best Restaurants this year.

Try the celebrated Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano dish, which features a sampling of the area's famous cheese classified by temperature, texture and taste.